Lyons House

Item details


Name of item:	Lyons House
Other name/s:	Robin Boyd designed house, Marion Hall Best interiors, Bruce Mackenzie landscaping, Romberg & Boyd
Type of item:	Complex / Group
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	House
Location:	Lat: -34.0680621259286 Long: 151.128356526376
Primary address:	733 Port Hacking Road (Dolan's Bay), Port Hacking, NSW 2229
Parish:	Sutherland
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Sutherland
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	La Perouse

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	650205

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
733 Port Hacking Road (Dolan's Bay)	Port Hacking	Sutherland	Sutherland	Cumberland	Primary Address

Statement of significance:


	Lyons House, built 1967, is of state significance for its aesthetic values as an excellent and intact example of Modern Movement architectural design by the eminent Australian architect, author and critic, Robin Boyd, principal of the Melbourne-based firm Romberg & Boyd. The innovative response to the site's constraints in designing an airborne swimming pool as the structural centre of the house, the cantilevered living areas arranged around the pool and sufficiently elevated to access fine water views, the use of traditional materials such as timber and clinker brick, internally and externally in combination with industrial materials such as post-tensioned concrete, the use of Japanese-inspired internal partitions, the visual expression of structural elements and the valorisation of the natural landscape setting are all important components of the design. The significance of the house is further heightened by the design contributions of Marion Hall Best (interiors) and Bruce Mackenzie (landscaping). The house is the only known intact example of Boyd's architectural design work in NSW. It has featured internationally in architectural journals and books about the life and work of Boyd.
	Date significance updated: 14 May 14
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the OEH copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Robin Boyd, Marion Hall Best window coverings, Bruce Mackenzie landscape design
Builder/Maker:	C. H. and C.R. Ellis, site supervision McConnel, Smith and Johnson
Construction years:	1967-1967
Physical description:	Setting The Lyons House is located at the southeast end of the Dolan's Bay peninsula overlooking the Port Hacking River and the Royal National Park in the Sutherland Shire in the southern suburbs of Sydney. The house lot is irregularly shaped on a lot approximately 1500 square metres which forms the boundary for the SHR listing. The house is positioned high on a hill overlooking two bays on a block of land composed largely of sandstone. This solid rock foundation, combined with the client's desire for a swimming pool, adequate car parking and wish to make the most of the panoramic water views, provided the rationale for Boyd's decision to orient the living area of the house around an elevated concrete pool. This design solution also avoided the need for costly excavation. As Geoffrey Turnbull has noted, 'Boyd would often determine the character of the whole design from an aspect of the client's programme, combined here with the nature of the site.' (Turnbull, 1973, p. 9) Landscaping The property has no indigenous vegetation. All was planted by Mackenzie or by the owners since occupation. Some of the original Mackenzie plantings, which included both native and exotic species, did not last long (e.g. native rosemary, Westringia fruticosa hedges). These have been replanted with replacements (e.g. lily pilly hedging - Syzygium spp./cv) which provide a similar effect in terms of scale and appearance. Lyons brought in 150 tons of soil to build a slight mound in the front yard which filled a natural seepage hollow and allowed for some trees and gardens to be planted. Chief components of the original Mackenzie landscape design are a drift of eucalypts on the front lawn's eastern side (spotted gum, Corymbia maculata; lemon-scented gum, C.citriodora) and ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon/E.crebra?), low hedges which flank the western driveway edge and the pull-in car parking bay in front of the house. The rear outlook towards the river is essentially open lawn with some low terracing and shrubs on the edges. Because of a need for privacy / screening relative to neighbours on the south, earlier shrub plantings on that boundary have been replaced with lily pilly (Syzygium spp./cv.). The gardens have been well maintained over the last thirty years, and form a fundamental part of any visit to the Lyons House. (Burdon, NT listing, 2013) "The gardens contribute and complement the native landscape setting, with plants including banksia ericifolia, melaleuca armillaris, and eucalyptus maculata. Driveway areas are finished with blue metal screenings rolled into bitumen, graveled areas to immediate house surrounds and lawn areas of couch turf." http://www.sydneyarchitecture.com/EAS/EAS12.htm) House exterior Lyons House was designed by Robin Boyd, pincipal with the Melbourne-based architectural firm, Romboyd and Boyd. The house is two-storeys in height, centred around an elevated swimming pool, and is constructed in the Late Twentieth Century Organic style with a strong influence of the Post-War Melbourne Regional style (Apperly et al, 1989, pp236-39, pp218-21) of which Boyd was a key-practitioner in the post-World War II period. The swimming pool and its wide rim, located in the centre (courtyard) of the house, is supported on masonry piers and footings. The timber-framed rooms of the first floor living areas are cantilevered out from the rim of the pool. These rooms are braced underneath with exposed timber beams made of Oregon, seated in steel stirrups. The bracing timber beams reach from under the outer walls of the house to the base of the exterior clinker brick ground floor walls. The external grey-stained cedar cladding of the first floor living areas is constructed with secret nails and feature continuous-strip clerestory glazing at the top of the exterior walls. A large steel beam runs along the top of the clerestory windows, supporting the flat roof of Brownbuilt metal sheeting which extends out well past the line of the external walls to provide shade. (Burdon, NT listing update, 2013) An innovative technical aspect of the design is the 'post tensioning' of the concrete construction of the pool, which was more affordable for a domestic design than the pre-tensioning technique usually used in commercial architecture. The ground floor rooms are constructed in clinker brick and enclose the pool but provide no structural support for the first floor. They form a square of four corridors offering a variety of small rooms which are used for entry/ exit, laundry, storage and pool plant equipment. From this corridor it is possible to enter the under-house area and view the exterior of the pool and the network of brick piers and walls which hold up the weight of the pool and cantilevered living areas. Although Boyd's plans called for the use of Jarrah for the deck of the pool, this couldn't be obtained at the time of construction and Tallowwood was used instead. That timber has since been replaced with Blackbutt when Tallowwood could no longer be obtained. Interiors The entrance to the residence is through a modest blue door which leads into one of four ground floor corridors of small rooms forming a square around the pool. The entry hall with stairway includes a porthole which looks into the swimming pool. The porthole with its 19mm thick glass is robust since it has to withstand the pressure of people diving into the pool. Interior walls in the living areas are lined with treated western red cedar. These linings have never been oiled or painted but have been cleaned from time to time with a wire brush which has left the harder lignum intact while wearing down the softwood (similar to a sand-blasted effect). The house initially had cork covered floors but now it is mostly carpeted. There is a replacement (like for like) cork floor in the kitchen. The interior character of the bedroom wing is Japanese in influence, with the use of sliding screen walls to maximise space. (RAIA 1999) There were some initial problems with leaking from the roof and windows resulting in water tracking through the timber walls but these have all been solved. Part of the solution was introducing a translucent cover on the timber battens overhanging the interior courtyard. Boyd chose the materials and finishes including the use of clinker bricks internally and externally. Marion Hall Best's enduring contribution to the interior design of Lyons House is the recommended use of matchstick blinds on view windows, some of which face inwards towards the pool while others face outwards towards the river. Over the years the blinds have all been replaced, like with like (Lyons makes the replacements himself). The curved blind holders are original (Heritage Division interview with Lyons, 2014). Dr Lyons also commissioned lighting design in the living areas by Leslie Walford, whose spot lighting fixtures are attached to ceiling beams in the living areas. Moveable heritage (associated with but not included in the SHR listing) Dr Lyons has kept his original correspondence with Boyd. The historian Geoffrey Serle wrote a biography about Robin Boyd and used Lyons' correspondence there (Robin Boyd, A Life, Melbourne Uni Press, Carlton, 1996). Dr Lyons also has the original drawings for the house by Romberg & Boyd and original drawings for the landscape design by Bruce Mackenzie. Dr Lyons built a good quality model of the proposed design for the house before the house was constructed in 1967 and this model forms part of the moveable heritage of the property.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The exterior and interior of the house is in excellent condition.
	Date condition updated:22 Apr 14
Modifications and dates:	Lyons House remains highly intact internally and externally. When considered for listing on the SHR in 2014 the house had been in continuous habitation by the original client and his family for 45 years. Many of the modern materials had required replacement over time and some adjustments were required for the interiors. These works have been done with care and sympathy so as to conserve the original design qualities and intention. An overhanging cantilever roof was added to the south west corner of the house under the supervision of McConnell Smith and Johnson. The house initially had cork covered floors but now it is mostly carpeted. The original carpets were a chocolate brown, but have been replaced by carpet with a lighter colour. There is a replacement cork floor in the kitchen. The cork tile floor of the bathroom has been replaced with tiles. The Klip-Lok roof has been replaced (like for like). Although Boyd's plans called for the use of Jarrah timber for the deck of the pool, this couldn't be obtained at the time of construction and Tallowwood was used instead. That timber has since been replaced with Blackbutt when Tallowwood could no longer be obtained. The mirror wall in the dining room was not part of Boyd's design. Boyd preferred open space but Lyons wanted a TV nook next to the kitchen. A relative suggested using a mirror wall to divide the space and the Lyons have been happy with that solution. Some of the original Mackenzie plantings, which included both native and exotic species, did not do well (e.g. native rosemary, Westringia fruticosa hedges). These have been replanted with replacements which provide a similar effect in terms of scale and appearance. Because of a need for privacy / screening relative to neighbours on the south, earlier shrub plantings on that boundary have been replaced with lily pilly (Syzygium spp./cv.). Repainting the pool is an anxious exercise as the water needs to be drained, and its weight is part of the house's balance. Nonetheless this can be done and has been done several times.


Current use:	Private residence
Former use:	Aboriginal land, rural estate

History

Historical notes:

Aboriginal land
Most archaeological evidence relates to Indigenous occupation in the area from about 3000 - 2000 years ago. People living between the south of Botany Bay and Nowra were of the Dharawal language group. The northern most clan of the Dharawal speakers located near Kurnell, including those around the Port Hacking River, were the Gweagal. (Tuck 2008).

The indigenous people living in this area enjoyed many food resources and the mild climate of the area. Many midden sites provide evidence of the use of sea foods as well as reptiles and mammals from the bushland. Fish hooks were made from turban shells and fishing lines and nets from bark and native grasses. Timber provided bark for huts, canoes, coolamons, and lomandra leaves were woven together to make bags. (Tuck, 2008).

In early 1770 Dharawal people of the southern coastal area between Nowra and Kurnell observed a large "white bird" (oral tradition of the local people) or floating island. This was Captain Cook's ship, the Endeavour, as it passed along the coast towards the headlands of Botany Bay (Kamay). The Endeavour lay anchor opposite the location of a small bark hut 'village' on the southern shores of present day Kurnell, a few kilometres north of present-day Port Hacking. It is understood that Cook's bold arrival and landing was a severe breach of Indigenous etiquette (Aunty Beryl Timbery cited in Andersen and Hamilton 2006). The location of the Endeavour's landfall and Cook's claim of the east coast of the continent for Britain is now commonly known as Captain Cook's Landing Place and has been included on the National Heritage List within the 'Kurnell Peninsular' listing.

Colonisation of Sutherland Shire
The land where Lyons House stand forms part of the historic property owned by Thomas Holt known as the Holt-Sutherland Estate. (Lyons House, Sutherland Shire LEP 2006, updated 2012).

In 1815 Governor Macquarie had made a grant of 700 acres of land to James Birnie at Kurnell, just north of Port Hacking. In 1821 a grant of 1000 acres was made nearby at Quibray Bay to John Connell. The first Crown Land sales took place in the Caringbah-Miranda area in 1856-88. At this time John Connell's grandson, John Connell Laycock, bought large tracts of land in the area including the present day site of Fernleigh in South Caringbah (J.S.Parsons Structural Consultants, 2012, 3). John Connell Laycock was a Member of the NSW Parliament where he was friendly with Thomas Holt. Laycock escorted Thomas Holt around his shire properties and Holt liked what he saw. (Envirospace, 2012, 13-14).

In 1861 Holt purchased some 4,600 acres of land between the George's River and Port Hacking. In the following years he consolidated his holdings, more than doubling this original acreage. In September 1881 some 12,200 acres were leased to the Holt-Sutherland Estate Land Company, which dominated the development of the area for many years. A Richardson & Wrench land sale map in 1901 offering to subdivide part of the Holt Sutherland Estate shows the site of 5 acres now containing Lyons House as 'not for sale' and owned by a Mr Simpson. (Lyons House, Sutherland Shire LEP 2006, updated 2012).

Port Hacking / Port Hacking Point:
The name 'Port Hacking' came from Matthew Flinders, on 30 March 1796. First Fleet pilot Henry Hacking had told him of a large river south of Botany Bay. Originally it was named Port Aicken (alternatively Akin or Aken) after midshipman John Aicken, First Fleet, who discovered the river, Port Hacking Heads were known as 'Port Aicken Heads' in 1870. The Village of Port Hacking was proclaimed in 1933 (Sutherland Shire Council, www).

Dolan's Bay:
Dolan's Bay was named after Patrick Dolan, who purchased approximately 286 acres on 17 January 1856 (ibid, www).

The earliest aerial photographs of the site, taken in 1930, show a building there. Aerial photographs of 1961 evidence the site as bushland. By 1970, aerial photographs show the construction of the current building known as Lyons House. (Lyons House, Sutherland Shire LEP 2006, updated 2012).

Architect Robin Boyd
Australian architect, author and critic Robin Boyd (1919-71), was one of the most influential Australian architects of the twentieth century. In 1969 Boyd was awarded the Gold Medal by the R.A.I.A. He was a Life Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. He gave the prestigious Boyer Lecture in 1967 and in the same year was granted an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of New England. (RAIA, SHR nomination for Lyons House, 1999).

An impressive architect in his own right, Robin Boyd is possibly more famous for his writings both as an architectural historian and as a cultural commentator (for example, The Australian Ugliness). He authored or co-authored twelve books and also wrote prolifically for journals, newspapers and magazines.

At the time the Lyons House was conceived and built, Boyd was heavily influenced by Japanese design. In 1962, Robin Boyd had published a biography of Kenzo Tange, a work which discusses Japanese architecture generally as well as the work of Tange himself. In 1968 Boyd published New Directions in Japanese Architecture. (Burdon, NTA (NSW) listing, 2013). He died in October 1971, aged 52.

Client
In 1967 the orthopedic surgeon Dr William Lyons, was seeking an architect to design a home for the block of land he had recently bought in Port Hacking. Following an unsuccessful interview with Harry Seidler, Dr Lyons wrote to Robin Boyd in Melbourne, expressing his admiration for his writings and asking if he could recommend an architect in Sydney. Boyd responded by saying that he would be happy to take on the commission since he would be passing through Sydney regularly on his way to and from Montreal where he was designing the Australian Pavilion for World Expo. (RAIA 1999, RNE Interim, 1999, Dr Lyons informal interview with Heritage Division, March 2014).

In addition Boyd engaged Bill Smith of McConnell Smith & Johnson to administer the building contract on a day-to-day level. (RAIA, 1999).

Robin Boyd and Dr Lyons worked on the design for the Lyons House in a collaborative manner (RAIA 1999), both in person and by correspondence (which Dr Lyons has carefully retained). Dr Lyons remarked, 'You give an architect a problem, not an answer.' (Burdon, NTA (NSW) listing, 2013).

Geoffrey Serle later commented:, 'These were very congenial clients, with artistic and intellectual interests in keeping with Boyd's, as were a large proportion of his customers who had singled him out on the basis of his radical reputation.' (Serle, 1995, p. 251) (Burdon, NTA (NSW) listing, 2013).

Before engaging the architect, Dr. Lyons spent a year thinking about how he actually lived. He produced a short brief that focused on elements such as a pool to be integrated into the house design, maximisation of views and separation of living areas. (Burdon, NT listing, 2013) The family kept six cars at that time and ease of parking was another consideration in the design. Dr Lyons' first wife was musical and provision was made for this with original plans showing a grand piano in a music room and a rise in the floor level between the family room and the dining room, which enabled a 'stage effect' (Dr Lyons' words) for small performances. (Burdon, NTA (NSW) listing, 2013)

Design of Lyons House
The style of Lyons House is described as Late Twentieth Century Organic style with a strong influence of the Post-War Melbourne Regional style (Apperly et al, 1989, pp236-39, pp218-21) of which Boyd was a key-practitioner in the post-World War II period. The NSW Institute of Architects' nomination for the house in 1999 described it as, a 'rational structuralist' design approach. (RAIA,1999).

The Lyons House is an excellent example of Robin Boyd's innovative approach to design and structure.
The suburb was well developed at the time of construction in 1968 and views of the bay were obstructed by other housing. When Robin Boyd visited the site for the first time, he asked to stand on the roof of Dr. Lyons' car, took in the superb views and said 'We'll have to go up.' (Serle, 1995, p. 310; Heritage Division interview with Lyons, 2014).

Boyd also recognised that excavating into solid sandstone for a pool would be expensive so he proposed that the pool be built above ground and the house built in wings around it to maximise views and allow for cars to be parked beneath cantilevered wings. The emphasis was not on how the house appeared from the outside but on the views out from within. (Heritage Division interview with Lyons, 2014).

Dr Lyons noted Boyd did his drawings quickly, based on these initial ideas, within a few weeks. Dr Lyons tells a story about his musical wife wanting to have a place for her Queen Anne dressing table; when Boyd's best compromise was to propose building it a special box for it projecting out from the bedroom, she gave in and Boyd was appreciative of what he called the "armistice". (Heritage Division interview with Dr Lyons, 2014).

Given the nature of the brief, the site and the architect, the structural solution was always going to be a dominant part of the design. The diagonal timber struts used to support the cantilevered upper floor are an important part of the design, as are the projecting rafters. Such details are consistent with Boyd's theory of structural expression: 'Architecture is good building and building is good structure. Therefore it seems axiomatic to me that the main elements of the structure should be as apparent in a work of architecture as the words, sentences and paragraphs in a work of writing. Understanding the building is essential to a proper enjoyment of it' (Boyd & Strizic, 1970, p. 83 quoted in Burdon, NTA (NSW) listing, 2013).

Boyd chose the materials and finishes including the use of clinker bricks internally and externally (Heritage Division interview with Lyons, 2014).

The fabric and finishes provide an important means by which Boyd's design intentions are brought to fruition. The dark clinker bricks of the ground floor provide a solid visual grounding for the overhanging Oregon timber-finished first floor walls (stained grey to be in harmony with surrounding gum trees). These were materials which Boyd believed to be 'rather 'back to the forest' - a natural look which suits Australia.' (Hayes and Hersey, 1970, p.232 quoted in Burdon, NTA (NSW) listing, 2013).

Despite the apparently 'basic' nature of the rough-sawn exposed timber construction throughout, the detailing is superb and testament to the building workers' skill. The builder Bob Ellis had worked with Alan Jack & Cottier and had helped build Jack House in Wahroonga. The extensive use of timber exudes a warmth to the building that Boyd was keen to create: 'I continue to shun artificial, decorative warmth, while finding pleasure in the sight and touch of almost any material that is not trying to look like another one.' (Boyd & Strizic, 1970, p. 21 quoted in Burdon, NTA (NSW) listing, 2013).

The influence of Japanese architecture is also apparent, particularly in the interior with its sliding doors with frosted glass, the almost tatami-mat appearance of the carpet and in the exterior deep eaves. Boyd's design is also based upon rigid planning. A nine foot grid forms the basis for the proportions used in this home and is strictly enforced, ensuring a visual consistency throughout its many aspects and vistas.

Dr Lyons followed up Boyd recommendations of Marion Hall Best for advice on the interiors and Bruce Mackenzie for the landscape design. Dr Lyons also sought out Leslie Walford for advice on lighting design. Hall Best was arguably the leading interior designer in Australia at the time. She has been described as 'a woman who thinks architecturally and has a conscious regard for the value and importance of space' (Hayes and Hersey, 1970, p.133).

She said: 'I have a great respect for the architect, for the spatial values of the house. I feel responsible to carry through the ideas that have their beginning in a line drawn on a plan. I never want to lose the bones of an idea by overwhelming it with decoration.' In Lyons House, hall Best's enduring design contribution is the use of simple match-stick blinds which allow for light to come in and for residents to see out, but not for people to see in. The blinds are unobtrusive in rooms where there are so many windows that using curtains would have been all-dominating. Such blinds were used by Hall Best in the courtyard of her own Sydney home. (Burdon, NTA (NSW) listing, 2013).

Leslie Walford was another leading interior designer of the day, who also wrote a column for the Sydney Morning Herald.
Similarly Bruce Mackenzie was arguably Australia's leading Modern Movement landscape architect of the late 20th century. It is interesting that Mackenzie specified some exotic species for the landscape design as well as natives. Mackenzie is best known for his later design work which focused exclusively on Australian native plantings.
The Lyons House has been documented and critically acclaimed in several books and journals as an example of Robin Boyd's strong design philosophy and response to site conditions. (RAIA 1999, RNE Interim, 1999).

Although he designed many residences in Victoria, Lyons House is the only significant work by Robin Boyd to survive intact in NSW (RAIA 1999). Boyd's other known design in NSW, the Black Dolphin Hotel commissioned by David Yencken in Merimbula on the South Coast, has been severely impacted (Heritage Division HOD entry on Baronda).

In 2014, Lyons House continues to be occupied by the original client, Dr Lyons, and his family.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Unseen but Present-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of passive recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and gardens of domestic accommodation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Residential-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing townsfolk - urban villas-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Gentlemens Villas-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	housing (suburbs)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing professional people-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building for seclusion-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Owning and occupying a house-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Architectural design-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - 20th century Modern Movement-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Robin Boyd, architect and author-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Dr William Lyons, orthopaedic surgeon-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Bruce Mackenzie, landscape architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Leslie Walford, interior decorator-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Lyons House, built 1967, is of state aesthetic significance as an excellent and intact example of Modern Movement architectural design by the eminent Australian architect, author and critic, Robin Boyd, who was principal of the Melbourne-based architectural firm Romberg & Boyd. The work included an innovative response to the site's constraints through the design of an airborne swimming pool as the structural centre of the house with cantilevered living areas arranged around it sufficiently elevated to access fine water views on three sides., The design included the use of traditional materials such as timber and clinker brick, internally and externally in combination with industrial materials such as post-tensioned concrete, and also the use of Japanese-inspired internal partitions. . . The visual expression of structural elements and the valorisation of the natural landscape setting are all important components of the design, which is a model of structural economy and site responsiveness. The significance of the place is further heightened by the design contributions of Marion Hall Best (interiors) and Bruce Mackenzie (landscaping). The only known intact example of Boyd's design work in NSW, the house has a distinctive architectural form and high quality detailing, both internally and externally, that results in a remarkable relationship between the house and its delightful landscape setting overlooking the Port Hacking River and Royal National Park. It has featured internationally in architectural journals and books about the life and work of Boyd.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	Lyons House is of state significance to architects and others who appreciate modern design (including architects). It has been listed on the community based heritage registers of DOCOMO Australia, the NSW Institute of Architects and the NSW National Trust. Lyons House was mentioned in every meeting in a series of consultations with NSW experts on Modern Movement design held by the Heritage Division in 2011.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Lyons House is of state significance as the only known intact example in NSW of the design work of renowned Melbourne architect Robin Boyd (since Boyd’s Black Dolphin Hotel in Merimbula has been severely altered). Lyons House exhibits unusual construction and detailing. It is also the only Modern Movement place in NSW known to also incorporate the work of leading interior designer Marion Hall Best and leading landscape architect Bruce Mackenzie.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Lyon's House is of state significance as a highly regarded and intact, representative example of the mid twentieth century Modern Movement approach to architectural design in eastern Australia. Representative aspects of this approach includes Lyons House’s emphasis on the form of the house responding innovatively to the client’s requirements rather than following a traditional template for a home, its geometric, cubist shape, open planning and use of asymmetry, carefully detailed surfaces and sun-shading devices rather than ornament, its combination of industrial techniques (post tensioned concrete) with traditional materials (timber and clinker brick), its focus on the view out rather than the view in and the close attention paid to the relationship of the building to its landscape context.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT SITE SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL Lyons House SHR No. 1930 I, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales, in pursuance of section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, do, by this my order, grant an exemption from section 57(1) of that Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule C by the [owner, mortgagee or lessee of the land] described in Schedule B on the item described in Schedule A. The Hon Rob Stokes, MP. Minister for Heritage Sydney, Day of 2014 SCHEDULE A The item known as the Lyons House, situated on the land described in Schedule B. SCHEDULE B All those pieces or parcels of land known as Lot 1 DP 650205 in Parish of Sutherland, County of Cumberland shown on the plan catalogued HC 1930 in the office of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. SCHEDULE C 1.All Standard Exemptions 2.Replacement of fabric a) Replacement of building fabric, like for like, where the original fabric has already been replaced by the same or similar fabric in keeping with the original design intention. b) Replacement of matchstick blinds on interior windows where the replacement blinds are the same fabric, colour and shape as previously used. 3.Landscaping a) Removal of any plants which are not specified in the Bruce Mackenzie landscape design drawing no.746-1, dated December 1967. b) Replacement or reinstatement of any plants, like-for-like, that are specified in the Bruce Mackenzie landscape design drawing no.746-1, dated December 1967. 4.Conservation Management Plan All exemptions in a conservation management plan (CMP) which has been endorsed by the Heritage Council of NSW.	Dec 19 2014
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, Donald Harwin, the Special Minister of State pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective 1 December 2020: 1. revoke the order made on 11 July 2008 and published on pages 91177 to 9182 of Government Gazette Number 110 of 5 September 2008 and varied by notice published in the Government Gazette on 5 March 2015; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. Donald Harwin Special Minister of State Signed this 9th Day of November 2020. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Nov 13 2020

Standard exemptions for works requiring Heritage Council approval

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01930	19 Dec 14	126	4589
Local Environmental Plan	Lyons House	B345	01 Jan 06
National Trust of Australia register
Royal Australian Institute of Architects register
Register of the National Estate - Interim	Lyons House	102890

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Sutherland Shire Council Heritage Study	1992	Updated by Architectural Projects 2012	Perumal Murphy Wu Architects Pty Ltd		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Andersen & Hamilton	2006	Kamay Botany Bay Oral History
Written	Architectural Projects	2013	Sutherland Shire Community Based Heritage Study Review
Written	Australian Heritage Commission	1999	Lyons House, Interim Listing on the Register of the National Estate
Written	Boyd, Robin	1982	The Walls Around Us, 2nd ed., updated by Trevor Howells
Written	Boyd, Robin	1967	'The State of Australian Architecture' in journal Architecture in Australia, June
Written	Boyd, Robin	1963	The Australian Ugliness
Written	Boyd, Robin and Strizic, Mark	1970	Living in Australia
Written	Burdon, David	2013	Lyons House, National Trust listing update
Written	Burns, Karen and Edquist, Harriet (eds)	1989	Robin Boyd - The Architect as Critic (exhibition)
Written	Dan Tuck	2008	La Perouse Headland: A Shared History
Written	Devine, Mathhew and Burtenshaw, Natasha representing the NSW RAIA	1999	Lyons House nomination for SHR
Written	Envirospace	2012	Statement of Heritage Significance & Statement of Heritage Impact For: Extensions to an Existing Marina at Burraneer Bay Marina
Written	Freeland, J.M.	1968	Architecture in Australia
Written	Goad, Phillip	1992	'Robin Boyd' in Transition, no.38
Written	Hayes, Babette and Hersey, April	1970	Australian Style
Written	Hays, Ian	1999	Lyons House, Nationa Trust entry
Written	Heritage Division		Kamay Botany Bay National Park, NSW SHR entry	View detail
Written	Heritage Division, NSW Office of Environment & Heritage	2014	Site visit and informal interview with Dr Lyons, 20 February 2014
Written	Jahn, Graham	1997	A Guide to Sydney Architecture
Written	Royal Australian Institute of Architects, NSW Chapter	1971	444 Sydney Buildings
Written	Serle, Geoffrey	1995	Robin Boyd – A Life
Written	Staas, Robert	1999	'The Lyons House at Dolans Bay' in Architecture Bulletin
Written	Sutherland Shire Council		'Port Hacking / Port Hacking Point' and 'Dolan's Bay'	View detail
Written	Sutherland Shire Council, revised by Architectural Projects 2012	2012	Lyons House, heritage listing for the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2006, updated 2012
Written	Turnbull, Geoffrey	1973	'Robin Boyd' in Building Ideas, March

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5061538
File number:	13/04115, EF14/6343

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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